Ranking football's toughest tests

Saturday

Jun 23, 2012 at 8:00 AM

Florida's 2011 schedule was difficult but the 2012 schedule isn't as daunting, mainly because Alabama is not on it.

By Robbie AndreuStaff writer

In degree of difficulty, Florida's 2011 schedule was, say, about an 11 on a scale of one to 10. It's not as daunting this season, mainly because Alabama is not on it.But it's a demanding schedule nonetheless, and the challenges come early and often.

In the past, the Gators usually have had two preseason-type games against lesser opponents to ease into the season. This season, they pretty much dive right in.UF opens with what should be a fairly competitive home game against Bowling Green, one of Urban Meyer's old schools, then begins SEC play on the road at Texas A&M, followed by a trip to Tennessee a week later.UF's offseason motto is: Start fast. If the Gators don't, this is a schedule that could put a hurtin' on them.Here's a look at the schedule, ranking the games in order of toughness, starting with easiest:12. Jacksonville State, Nov. 17, Gainesville: Athlon has Jacksonville State ranked 25th in its preseason poll — FCS poll that is. This is a pretty talented team that competed well against Kentucky last season before falling 38-14. Two years ago, the Gamecocks almost upset FSU in Tallahassee. The Gamecocks will be led by running back Washaun Ealey, a transfer from Georgia.11. Bowling Green, Sept. 1, Gainesville: The Falcons have gradually lost momentum over the past few seasons, but this is still a talented team that should give the Gators a true opening-night test. Quarterback Matt Schilz threw for 3,024 yards and 28 touchdowns last season, so he'll be winging it all over The Swamp.10. Louisiana-Lafayette, Nov. 10, Gainesville: This probably won't be the late-season walkover that many are assuming. The Ragin' Cajuns went 9-4 and won the New Orleans Bowl last season and have a real up-and-comer coach in Mark Hudspeth, whose wide-open passing offense rolled up 32.3 points a game in 2011. Coming off an eight-game SEC grind, the Gators probably can't afford to be flat in this one.9. Kentucky, Sept. 22, Gainesville: Some were thinking the Wildcats had a chance to end their 24-game losing streak to UF last season in Lexington, but the 'Cats didn't even come close, getting blown out 48-10. The beat should continue in The Swamp this season.8. Missouri, Nov. 3, Gainesville: Will Muschamp knows all about this former Big 12 team and all the funky (and innovative and successful) things the Tigers do with their version of the spread offense. The game should be a stern test for Dan Quinn and the UF defense, and a very tight and intense SEC game.7. Vanderbilt, Oct. 13, Nashville: The consensus seems to be that if last year's UF-Vandy game had been played in Nashville, the 'Dores would have pulled the upset, like they almost did in The Swamp. This is a Vandy team on the rise, with an improving offense under QB Jordan Rodgers. Early upset alert issued on this one.6. Tennessee, Sept. 15, Knoxville: The Vols and Gators are both expected to be improved this season. We'll find out which team has improved the most in this early and difficult road test for the Gators. With the return of wide receiver Justin Hunter, who was hurt in the loss to the Gators last season, quarterback Tyler Bray will have a chance to put up some big passing numbers this season. Playing in Neyland is never easy for the Gators.5. Texas A&M, Sept. 8, College Station: This is perhaps the most crucial second game of the season the Gators have been involved with in a long time. It could determine what direction UF's season goes. The Gators will be facing a very talented A&M team that is extremely excited about new head coach Kevin Sumlin, whose offense could be tremendous this season if he gets good quarterback play from a new starter. With the 12th Man and all those other Aggie traditions, this could be the toughest environment the Gators play in all season.4. South Carolina, Oct. 20, Gainesville: Steve Spurrier finally has a QB he can love and trust again (Connor Shaw) and one of the elite offensive players in college football (Marcus Lattimore, who is coming back from knee surgery). Many think this could be Spurrier's best USC team — and he's beaten his old school two years in a row.3. Georgia, Oct. 27, Jacksonville: Catching a break from the schedule gods for the second consecutive year, the Bulldogs are favored by many to win the Eastern Division again. They seem pretty sound all around, led by quarterback Aaron Murray, who seems primed to have a big junior season. The 'Dogs broke the Jacksonville jinx last year (barely), but this is a game that seems to bring out the best in the Gators.2. LSU, Oct. 6, Gainesville: This may be the best overall talent and the best team the Gators will face this season, but they get the Tigers at home, which is a huge advantage — and the reason this ranks as only the second-toughest game on the UF schedule. The Florida defense should be stout enough to cause some problems for new starting quarterback Zach Mettenberger and keep the Gators in the game heading into the fourth quarter, where anything can happen (especially with The Hat on the LSU sideline).1. Florida State, Nov. 24, Tallahassee: The Gators have lost two in a row to the Seminoles and this is an FSU team that is a consensus preseason top 10 team with plenty of depth and talent — and an experienced senior quarterback in E.J. Manuel. Even though UF has won three of the last four in Tallahassee, the Gators have a history of struggling in Doak Campbell Stadium. It adds up to this being the toughest game on Florida's schedule.

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